Magill’s Quill
Why Specialize in Mystery, Thriller, and Horror?
When I finished my first novel, I was advised to have a developmental editor work on it. I knew nothing about what editors did or what they cost. I wanted the best and assumed that someone who charged a lot would know my chosen genre. It was one of the most frustrating experiences on my road to publication. The editor knew nothing of mystery conventions and tropes. The suggested changes were not only wrong but downright inconceivable. Your editor MUST know your genre! I do.
Most of my reading is in the genres of mystery, thriller, and horror, and I have done extensive research along the path to gaining my Masters in English/Creative Writing. Additional background includes: reserve police academy; working in the Fire Department, Police Department, and Communications (9-1-1); proficiency in firearms and martial arts; a BS in Criminal Justice and another in Occupational Safety & Health; and 25+ years as a first aid and basic life support instructor…and what seems like a gazillion seminars and classes in these genres and policing/investigation methods.
Why hire an editor at all? Won’t the publisher make it spiffy? I learned the hard way. It is almost impossible to accurately edit your own work. With the competition out there, an agent might not even take your project if it is not cleanly edited. If you plan on self-publishing, an editor is especially critical to the success of your work.
Why Specialize in Non-Fiction?
Simple: I am passionate about getting it right!
After years of school (2 AAs, 2 BSs, & 1 MA), I have seen a lot of very poorly written essays and major papers. Citing sources–both in the paper and on the source page–is confusing and can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with different paper styles. Thesis statements are one of the most difficult things for a majority of students when tackling major papers. But that’s something that I love to do.
The majority of my career involved writing and editing government codes, rules, regulations, procedure manuals, and classroom study materials. If you are working on a non-fiction book, the most important thing you can do is to start with a strong foundation and plan. This is where I excel. Let me help you! With the right guidance, especially at the start, your writing will be smoother and easier. We can do it together!